3Com Extends Security and Convergence Support for Enterprise Businesses

3Com Corporation today introduced the industry's first stackableLAN (local area network) switch designed specifically to addresssmall-to-medium enterprise customers' growing need for robust securityand support of Voice over IP (VoIP) and other convergenceapplications. The new 3Com(R) Switch 4500 family combinesstandards-based security for user authentication; support for the newTippingPoint(TM) X505, the first integrated security platform builtupon Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) technology; and dynamic"plug-and-play" support for multiple vendors' VoIP services.

"Stackable switches are back in vogue and have become part of thesecurity fabric of networks, as well as enablers for IPcommunications," said Zeus Kerravala, senior analyst and vicepresident, Yankee Group. "The ability of the Switch 4500 to recognizeany VoIP service provides unique value to customers who preferbest-of-breed technology for converged solutions."

Designed using open industry standards to avoid burdeningcustomers with the restrictions of proprietary features, the 3ComSwitch 4500 is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, managed 10/100 switch -available in 26-port and 50-port models. It includes extensive Layer 2switching and dynamic Layer 3 routing functionality, which providesthe "intelligence" necessary for today's demanding business networks.With models that include cost-effective Power over Ethernet, theSwitch 4500 is ideal for converged networks. Additionally, it isinteroperable in multi-vendor networks, helping a business preserveits existing infrastructure investments.

"We offer innovative solutions at superior business value to helpenterprise customers migrate to secure converged networks supportingbusiness-critical applications and services," said Scott Hilton, vicepresident of enterprise product line management, 3Com. "The Switch4500 enhances 3Com's edge-to-core LAN switch portfolio that alsoincludes 3Com's premium stackable switch, the Switch 5500, as well asthe modular Switch 7700 and the Terabit-capacity Switch 8800 for largenetworks spanning thousands of users."

The new switch family has intelligent quality of service (QoS)features to automatically prioritize voice traffic, along with Powerover Ethernet models ideal for running effective VoIP solutions.Auto-VLAN assignment for voice calls further improves voice qualityand security, optimizing secure converged IP communications overEthernet-based networks. Not only are 3Com IP phones pre-programmedinto the 3Com switch for dynamic configuration and efficientmanagement, but other vendors' IP phones are pre-programmed into theSwitch 4500 as well. In addition, Switch 4500 PWR models can powerstandards-based IP phones and wireless access points from 3Com orother vendors, eliminating the need for costly re-wiring or "powerbricks."

While providing scalable connectivity and the enterprise-classmanagement needed to run a network, the switch also supports 802.1Xauthentication, securing the network from unauthorized intruders andtracking general user access history. The switch also supports deviceauthentication through RADA (RADIUS Authentication of Device Access)for authentication of devices that don't support 802.1X.Small-to-medium enterprise networks combining the Switch 4500 with theTippingPoint X505 will benefit from fast, proactive isolation or"quarantining" of infected computers, along with intrusion prevention,stateful inspection firewall, IPSec VPN, bandwidth management and Webcontent filtering of the sophisticated TippingPoint X505 solution.

Pricing and Availability

The Switch 4500 is now available worldwide. The following are thedifferent models available in the new switch family. The Switch 450026-port is priced at $695 (US list). The Switch 4500 50-port is pricedat $1,295 (US list). The Switch 4500 PWR 26-port is priced at $2,295(US list). The Switch 4500 PWR 50-port is priced at $4,295 (US list).

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) is a leading provider of secure,converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of allsizes. 3Com offers a broad line of innovative products backed by worldclass sales, service and support, which excel at delivering businessvalue for its customers. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com isthe leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systemsthat deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructureprotection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises,government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. Forfurther information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press sitewww.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright (C) 2005. 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo areregistered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3ComCorporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks oftheir respective holders.